'Enders Fatboy 'wants Mercy's attention'

EastEnders star Ricky Norwood has admitted that his character Arthur 'Fatboy' Chubb is unable to switch off his romantic feelings for best friend Mercy Olubunmi.

The relationship between the pair is further explored in next week's episodes of the Walford soap as Fatboy gets jealous over her budding romance with Seb, who was introduced to the show in March as Lauren Branning's college friend.

In a further twist, Fatboy's father Ashley will also try to get Mercy into trouble in the coming days by spitefully informing the UK border agency that she has outstayed her visa.

Last week, reports suggested that the situation will reach a climax later this month as Fatboy apparently proposes to Mercy on the day of the royal wedding.

In an interview with TV Choice, Norwood confirmed: "Fatboy needs to do something to catch Mercy's attention. When he does, it's with a big gesture to make sure she'll still be around.

"I do look at his storylines and think, 'What are you doing? Leave Mercy alone, she has a boyfriend!' But once he cares about someone that's it, so can there ever be a happy ending for Fatboy and Mercy? I don't know. This is EastEnders, after all."

The actor, whose Walford career began on internet spinoff EastEnders: E20, also spoke of his joy at winning the 'Best Newcomer' prize at the National Television Awards in January.

He said: "When I joined E20 it was like the first year of school. I got through and graduated to the big show. The award was the crowning glory!"

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